Tooting One’s Own Horn Is Welcomed

Park Cities School of Music programs designed for aspiring instrumentalists of all ages

Eva Brandys believes music should be a part of our lives from start to finish.

“Music has the ability to spark joy, boost confidence, and build new connections,” said the founder of Park Cities School of Music, located at Inwood Road and Lovers Lane.

“An early introduction can provide a lifetime of love for it; strumming strings, blowing horns, and tapping drums is all it takes to fall in love with an instrument,” she said.

Brandys began her musical journey at age 8 in communist Poland. The pianist’s early music education was defined by discipline, and yet, despite the rigorous daily piano practice and pressure to perform with precision, she developed a deep appreciation and love for music. 

After immigrating to the U.S., Brandys earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Dallas Baptist University and a master’s degree in music education and piano pedagogy from SMU. 

By 2009, Brandys was teaching private piano lessons to more than 100 students in Highland Park and Preston Hollow. She opened the first of her three Dallas area music schools in 2010.

The classically-trained pianist described how children’s brains can absorb musical skills like sponges. “Introducing music early can enhance cognitive development, emotional growth, and motor skills,” she said, “And music fosters creativity, focus, and confidence while laying the foundation for lifelong learning and emotional expression.”

With lessons in piano, guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), harp, cello, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, ukulele, tuba, trombone, French horn, drums, voice, composition, music theory, and musical theater, the Instrument Explorers’ Program at the Park Cities School of Music doesn’t lack in options for youngsters interested in exploring music. 

And, in an effort to combine skill development with fun activities, Brandys created the Instrument Explorers series for children, the engaging material sustaining the attention of even her youngest students.

“I love music class. I get to play fun songs and learn cool things. The music bug bit me and every day I want to learn a new song on the piano,” said 7-year-old Chloe.

Brandys enjoys watching young students discover their musical talents, but emphasized the impact music can have on all ages. 

“It’s absolutely never too late to start learning music,” she said, citing studies of music engagement enhancing well-being at any age. “While my approach has always exposed young people to the power of music, anyone at any age can benefit. For adults, music becomes both a creative outlet and a mental workout, fostering emotional health, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall quality of life,” she said. 

Brandys recently introduced a music therapy program, led by board-certified therapists, to her curriculum. The program integrates music while addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. The sessions focus on relaxation, emotional expression, communication, and stress reduction, with activities such as rhythm exercises, singing, and instrument playing improving motor coordination, self-awareness, and cognitive function.

Brandys has witnessed the impact music therapy sessions can have on social, emotional, motor, and communication skills, and offers them on both an individualized and group basis.

“Learning an instrument has brought joy back into my days and has given me a new sense of purpose and accomplishment,” said Brandys’ student Chelsea Abbott, a mother of two.

Brandys continues to incorporate new approaches to music into her personal and professional realms and is proud of the influence her programs have on music explorers of all ages. 

“Music changed my life and has had the most profound influence on me; I feel compelled to share its life-altering impact with anyone in my community who is willing to experience it,” she said.